MATT BREIDA, RB
The Eagles are looking for a lead running back to replace Jerick McKinnon, the former Sprayberry standout who was a third-round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings. Further attrition had Breida (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) on top of the depth chart entering preseason camp. He had one carry for 15 yards last season as a freshman.
GARRETT FRYE, LT
Frye, a South Forsyth graduate, was named preseason All-Sun Belt Conference by Lindy’s and Phil Steele. A senior, Frye (6-5, 290) started all 25 games over the past two seasons and tied for the team lead with 59 knockdown blocks in 2013. The Eagles plan to pass a lot more under coach Willie Fritz, so Frye will have to protect quarterback Kevin Ellison’s blindside while learning new blocking techniques.
B.J. JOHNSON, WR
Johnson, a junior, caught 12 passes for 216 yards in 2013, good enough to be the leader in both categories for Southern’s run-oriented offense. Johnson (6-1, 210) was a record-breaking receiver at Woodruff (S.C.) High, where he had 165 career receptions for 2,780 yards and 30 touchdowns, including nearly 1,500 yards with 15 touchdowns as a senior.
DEION STANLEY, DB
Fritz will use a 4-2-5 alignment, and Stanley (5-10, 195) is penciled in as the fifth “nickel” defensive back. A senior, Stanley has started 32 games for the Eagles, more than any of his teammates, and last season led the Southern Conference with three interceptions. Stanley has played both safety positions as well as the nickel back, so he’ll be counted on to help organize the secondary.
EDWIN JACKSON, LB
The Eagles will have very little experience along the defensive line, and junior linebacker Antwione Williams is returning after missing the 2013 season because of injury. That leaves Jackson, a 6-0, 230-pound senior, as the key player for the defensive front. He led the Eagles with 90 tackles last season, including 10 during the victory at Florida.
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